Last time, we talked about the different silhouettes of wedding gowns. Now, we are going to focus on the neckline. This is a key element of your dress because it frames your your upper body and your face. When you are getting ready to walk down that aisle, everyone will be looking at your lovely face, so you want it framed beautifully, just as you would a work of art. (Which is what you are, ladies!) So, here is what you need to know about those "frames":
Sweetheart
Sweetheart necklines are probably the most popular and flattering of all the necklines. This strapless style dips in the middles with a curved top, similar to a heart shape. This style suits almost every body type.
Straight
These dresses have a neckline that goes straight across the chest, with no curves and no straps. If you have a smaller bust or wider shoulders, this may be a good choice for you.
Square
Dresses with a square neckline have a straight, horizontal bodice that meet with straps at a 90 degree angle. This neckline is flattering on most body types, but especially on those with a larger bust or narrow shoulders.
V-Neck
This style of dress has sleeves or straps and then dips down in a V shape on the bodice. This neckline helps to elongate the body and is especially flattering to those with broad shoulders or short necks.
One-Shoulder
Dresses with one shoulder have a strap across one shoulder and a bodice that sits at a slight diagonal across the chest. Women with narrow shoulders and thin arms look especially great in this neckline. It also can help disguise a long, thin neck.
Scoop
Scoop neck dresses do exactly what their name says, they scoop down from straps into a u shape. Wider scoops tend to flatter women with narrow shoulders or an athletic body. A smaller scoop will flatter those with broader shoulders or a large bust.
Queen Anne
You may recognize this neckline from a certain royal wedding that happened a few years ago. These dresses have a high rising collar at the back of the neckline that sculpts low across the chest. Usually, the collar and sleeves of this style are made of lace.
High Neck
These dresses feature high necks, similar to a crew neck t-shirt or a mock turtle neck. Grace Kelly wore this style when she married Prince Ranier of Monaco. If you have a longer face or neck, this style helps to offset those features.
Halter
Halter dresses have straps that wrap around the back of the neck. Because they attract attention to the center of the body, halters are perfect for women with tall and/or broad shoulders and a small to average size bust.
Off the Shoulder
This neckline has sleeves that sit below the shoulders and highlights the collar bone and shoulders. This style flatters almost every body type and size, especially women with a larger bust or a pear shaped body type.
Bateau
Bateau or Boatneck dresses have a high neckline that follows the curve of the collarbone to the very tip of the shoulders. This style works well for average to small busted women and those with narrow shoulders or a long neck. Those with broad shoulders will find this style not as flattering as some others.
Whether you take the plunge or cover up, V-neck, bateau, halter, or strapless, necklines have the ability to remove pounds, lengthen, broaden, or narrow, as well as to give an air of sophistication and lend comfort - or do the opposite. Be sure to remember to factor in your bust size, neck length, height, and even face shape when looking at wedding gowns to find the right neckline for you. But, also remember, the most important thing is that you feel beautiful and special!
